RICHMOND, Maine — A Harpswell man was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol by Richmond police early Friday morning after they say he crashed into a curb while trying to “clutch start” his car.

According to Richmond Police Department, 26-year-old Wade Welner of 24 Harbor Heights in Harpswell was arrested at 3:32 a.m. Friday after he allegedly tried to jump-start his car by rolling it down the hill on Main Street toward Front Street in an attempt to start it.

However, police report that Welner “failed to have the keys in the ignition when doing this so the steering wheel was locked, and the car crashed into the curbing causing minor damage to the car, a 2007 Chevy two-door.”

Police Chief Scott MacMaster said the incident was reported by another motorist. Officer Doug Bellevue responded and upon speaking to Welner, observed that Welner appeared intoxicated, had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol, MacMaster said. Welner was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset and his car was towed by Rick’s Towing.